Corner or Box Filters Good or Bad

Snakes

Snakes

Fish Addict
Mar 3, 2008
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www.rieda.za.org
I have a 10Gallon Small Tank and was wondering is a box filter ok

I dont really want to spend much on a filter as i am waiting on a large

tank then I will go all out for that tank

Filter wool and Carbon

is the carbon needed or what is the main reason for the carbon and also the filter wool how often should it be cleant or replaced
 
I use a box filter on my 10g fry tank. I do not use carbon. Change the floss when dirty - you can see it. It is a very effective filter in a small tank. I buy 2 large bags of eco-friendly poly-fiber floss a year and use it in 4 different tanks, one being the box filter. Saves me a ton of money over the filter cartridges plus the box filter doesn't suck up the fry or cause a heavy water current.
 
Sponge filters - work like box filters, easier to maintain, better looking (IMHO)
 
look I have the box filter already and I have carbon
so what should i do with the carbon :) since its just gonna stand
I will see how it goes and mayb i get a sponge filter later on to try out
I also have an UGF that I used to use but I dont really like it
 
i used a box filter and liked it better than my sponge one but alas i couldn't keep it from floating when i cleaned the filter wool so out it went, but some of the new ones have weighted bottoms now mine was old and i had to use plant weight etc and bury it in the sand but still it would pop out now and then, but i love the way they work.. plus you can add plenty of carbon if you want or other media... someone needs to perfect them better they are cheap and work rather well..for smaller uncrowded tanks
 
To stop mine from floating I just used some of the aquarium gravel inside the container.

What to do with the carbon? Use it! When you are due to replace it and the floss just toss them both and just refill with floss only if you normally don't use any. There is no harm in using carbon.

I speak only for myself - I am on a well with very good water and carbon is a needless expense for me unless I medicate. I have not medicated any of my tanks in the last 2 years. By the same token, I keep a very close eye on them and watch for any changes, odors, or coloration that could possibly indicate bad water as well as weekly water changes and an occasional mid-week change when needed.
 
I'd recommend using the carbon on a box or corner filter. The reason I cite is that since these are low flow filters, you will want to get as much as you can out of them. While carbon isn't really all that necessary it does some nice things in non-planted tanks. If you have it, use it.
 
Since u guys use the corner filters
how often do u guys change the wool and carbon and does that not affect the bacteria
 
Change the wool (or floss) when 3/4 of it shows to be dirty. You will be able to see the difference.

It has minimal impact on the bacteria as the majority of it is in the substrate and other hard surfaces, not to mention what hangs int the water column. It is good to be concerned but there is no need to worry.

Carbon does not have to be in a filter to work. Simply hanging some in a bag suspend in the water will have the same effect. The filter is just a convienient place to put it.
 
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